Meetings Coverage

Calling yet again for universal membership of the International Criminal Court, the General Assembly today adopted a resolution underscoring the investigative and prosecutorial responsibility of States, as well as the importance of cooperation with non-signatories to the Rome Statute under which the judicial body was established, in the fight against impunity.

Following a prolonged political stalemate amid continuing regional unrest, the direct talks resumed last month between the Israelis and the Palestinians represented a “small but important” opening for peace, a senior United Nations political official told the Security Council this morning.

Despite recent strides in strengthening the ability of the United Nations to protect civilians, conflicts around the world were still characterized by a “prevailing disrespect” for the core principles of international humanitarian law, top officials warned the Security Council today.

In the final weeks before the start of the next session, the General Assembly today adopted a comprehensive resolution in support of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, known as NEPAD, citing lingering severe impacts of the world financial and economic crisis on the continent and proposing ambitious steps by both Africa and the international community to offset them.

The international community must mobilize to overcome the “highly volatile” security situation and degenerating humanitarian crisis in the Central African Republic, including by supporting the newly deployed African Union mission, the top United Nations official in that country told the Security Council today.

Deeply concerned at the threat of piracy and armed robbery to international navigation and regional security and economic development, and the reported number of incidents and level of violence in the Gulf of Guinea in the first half of 2013, the Security Council today welcomed the adoption by the region’s leaders of a Code of Conduct, which, it says, paves the way for a legally binding instrument.

The Security Council today encouraged the continuing involvement of regional and subregional organizations in the peaceful settlement of disputes, including through conflict prevention, confidence building and mediation, and underlined the importance of utilizing their existing and potential capabilities.

Convening briefly this morning, the General Assembly appointed Toshihiro Aiki (Japan) to fill a vacancy on the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, which had arisen due to the recent resignation of one of its members.

Expressing support for the long-standing United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, the Security Council this morning decided to extend the mission, established in 1964, for another six months until 31 January 2014.